Simple question: What are the effects of the kind of swimming we do on DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE.
I'm nearly pain free. My C7-C6 herniation, while debilitating a few weeks ago, is only causing minor numbness and tingling in my right hand.
I cannot, for the life of me, find a competent medical authority, definitive research, or a firsthand account of how 2000-3000 yard workouts, including intervals and distance training, effect the cervical spine.
Yeah, yeah, I know that I allegedly "twist my neck" when I swim, but I also know that proper stroke technique includes rolling one's body rather than turning one's head to breath.
But my C6-C7 disc took my right arm out of commission for a while. It seems to be getting stronger. Will I ever get it back?
I want to get back in the water and start swimming soon. I was supposed to do an Alcatraz swim a couple weeks ago, and I want to do it next year. After a month off, I should start training now.
Before I started swimming, I had lower back pain that virtually disappeared when took up the sport. That was two years ago. I just can't seem to get an answer as to whether I should be swimming, or if I should not be swimming.
Thank you.
Parents
Former Member
cj, my hands used to go numb...degenerative disk disease was the diagnosis. In 2001 I had fusion surgery, fused 3, 4 & 5 together. Instantly the pain and numbness were gone. Yours might be a little more difficult, I believe when you start talking about fusing 6 & 7 you will probably lose more range of motion then I did. But personally I would recommend the surgery. I never knew how much pain I was living with until after the surgery. I woke up, and for the first time in years there was no pain or numbness. I swim between 3 - 6 k a day. I am limited to breathing to the right, limited motion to the left. Since the surgery I have found that taking Glucosamine Chondroitin helps with the joints. It can take 4-6 months to feel the effects, but it works.
cj, my hands used to go numb...degenerative disk disease was the diagnosis. In 2001 I had fusion surgery, fused 3, 4 & 5 together. Instantly the pain and numbness were gone. Yours might be a little more difficult, I believe when you start talking about fusing 6 & 7 you will probably lose more range of motion then I did. But personally I would recommend the surgery. I never knew how much pain I was living with until after the surgery. I woke up, and for the first time in years there was no pain or numbness. I swim between 3 - 6 k a day. I am limited to breathing to the right, limited motion to the left. Since the surgery I have found that taking Glucosamine Chondroitin helps with the joints. It can take 4-6 months to feel the effects, but it works.
